About NJ Veteran Journal:
The New Jersey Veteran Journal is an official publication of the New
Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and is intended to
serve New Jersey's veterans, their families, friends and concerned individuals
and groups. All correspondence should be sent to the editor at:

NJDMAVA, PAO-V, PO Box 340,
Trenton, NJ 08625-0340

VA health care available in South Jersey

Health care is no longer a bridge and a state away for South Jersey
veterans.

“Today is another good day for South Jersey veterans, who
can now receive basic eye and ear care here at the Veterans Memorial
Home in Vineland,” stated Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd District).
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Wilmington has set up
optometry and audiology outpatient clinics at the Vineland Home for
South Jersey veterans. VA medical staff will be available at the clinics
twice a month. In addition, podiatry services are available one day
a week through the Vineland Outpatient Clinic located at 1051 Sherman
Ave.

Prior to this, veterans had to travel to Wilmington for even the
most basic eye, ear and foot care. “We are able to bring these
services closer to the veterans,” said Michael S. Rybicki, Director,
Community Based Outpatient Clinics, VA.

While optometry and audiology services have been available since
2006, the VA has increased its staff presence at the outpatient clinics.
An additional part-time physician was added in April and a licensed
practical nurse has been approved as well.

Since its opening in March 2006, the audiology clinic, which is
open every other week, has seen more than 200 patients. Another major
improvement in optometry services is that, beginning this July, “we
have an electronic link with Wilmington,” noted Steve Gallerizzo,
Associate Director of Wilmington VA Medical Center. “(The optometrist)
can access patient’s medical records through a secure network
link.” So through the efforts of the Vineland Home, Representative
LoBiondo and the VA, the growing outpatient needs of Vineland and
South Jersey veterans are finally being met.